Council investigates Reform's 'Farage Fest'

The organisers of "Farage Fest" - a victory party and rally for the Reform UK leader after the Clacton by-election - are being investigated for failing to get permission to hold it.

Tendring District Council said it had "refused" to grant a Late Temporary Event Notice (LTEN) because the application had not been made in time.

Hundreds went to the overnight party attended by Nigel Farage at Great Oakley airfield, which included live music, alcohol, and a Ferris wheel.

In a statement, Reform said it had not needed a LTEN for the private event and it was "confident that no rules were broken".

Farage was re-elected MP for Clacton in the by-election on Thursday 13 August with an increased majority of 12,784.

Farage did not attend the election count where he was declared the winner.

Instead, he spent the night at the invite-only mini-festival dubbed "Farage Fest".

"Welcome to Clactonbury," Farage told cheering supporters in the early hours of Friday. Speaking on stage at the event, he added: "I'm going to be here all night."

Organisers can apply for the LTEN five working days before an event takes place.

The "Farage Fest" application was refused because it was made after this deadline.

People from the Clacton constituency who supported Farage in the by-election by displaying posters and placards received letters inviting them to the event.

They had to pay an entry fee, but could camp and park onsite for free.

Lisa Hastings, the council's corporate director for law and governance, said: "No authorisation was granted under a LTEN for the event."

Reform's statement said: "Reform UK are confident that no rules were broken and the event was conducted in accordance with the law."

The party said it had been an invite-only private event and no activity had taken place which required authorisation under the Licensing Act 2003.

It added that a LTEN had been submitted on a precautionary basis, but no reliance had been placed on it, as the party said it had not been necessary.

If Tendring District Council, the licensing authority, decides to prosecute following the investigation the organisers could face a fine or even a custodial sentence.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.